Starboard said its own selection of 12 all new directors — 10 with no experience at Darden — is superior to the restaurant company's plan.

The announcement comes just a day after Orlando-based Darden Restaurants said it would replace eight of its 12 board directors, four from Starboard's selection and four entirely new directors, mostly from the restaurant industry.

"Starboard believes that Darden's reactionary, last-minute, confused decision to once again shuffle its proposed slate of director nominees further demonstrates our belief that this board is lacking leadership and flailing without direction," said a statement from Starboard.

Darden has scheduled its annual shareholder meeting for Oct. 10, where the election of board members will take place.